Peter A Lehman

US Patent:

58798269, Mar 9, 1999

Filed:

Jun 24, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/669061

Inventors:

Peter A. Lehman - Arcata CA
Charles E. Chamberlin - Arcata CA
Ronald M. Reid - McKinleyville CA
Thomas G. Herron - Eureka CA

Assignee:

Humboldt State University Foundation

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 13

Abstract:

A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell using hydrogen as the fuel and oxygen containing air as the oxidant. The fuel cell including a hydrogen side electrode; an air side electrode; an electrolyte positioned between the electrodes; a hydrogen diffuser/collector plate including hydrogen channels; and an air diffuser/collector plate including air channels. A method of operation of the fuel cell including introducing hydrogen into the hydrogen channels and introducing air into the air channels at a pressure of less than 5 psig and with a channel velocity of between about 0. 15 and 7. 0 meters/second.